CVE-2020-13797 in Navigate CMS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Navigate CMS through 2.8.7. It allows XSS because of a lack of purify calls in lib/packages/websites/website.class.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-13797 affects Navigate CMS versions up to 2.8.7 and represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw that stems from insufficient input sanitization within the application's core components. This weakness resides in the lib/packages/websites/website.class.php file where user-supplied data is not properly purified before being rendered in the web interface, creating a persistent vector for malicious code injection attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw occurs when the application fails to implement proper output encoding or sanitization mechanisms, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The absence of purify calls in the website.class.php file means that any data submitted through website-related functions can be exploited to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of victim browsers. This particular implementation issue demonstrates poor secure coding practices and highlights the critical importance of input validation and output sanitization in web application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to establish persistent footholds within the CMS environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute malicious scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, modify content, or even escalate privileges within the CMS. The widespread nature of Navigate CMS usage means that this vulnerability could affect numerous websites simultaneously, potentially allowing attackers to compromise multiple organizations through a single exploit. The vulnerability's location within core website management functionality suggests that it could be leveraged to manipulate website content, user accounts, or system configurations, making it particularly dangerous for content management operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected Navigate CMS installations to version 2.8.8 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script injection attempts, enhanced input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture, and regular security audits of all CMS components. The remediation process should involve comprehensive code review to ensure that all input handling functions properly sanitize user data before processing or display. Security teams should also consider implementing content security policies to limit the execution scope of any injected scripts, and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized modifications to website content. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security controls throughout the application lifecycle, with particular attention to the principles of secure coding as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the ATT&CK framework's web application exploitation techniques.